Australian wineries are once again connected to the global wine trade thanks to Australian Wine Connect a virtual marketplace that replaces global expos and on-ground activity impacted by travel constraints.

Connect launch events already have more than 1500 trade representatives from 44 countries registered and Wine Australia Chief Executive Officer Andreas Clark said with 232 Australian wineries featured and more than 2000 wines, Connect was already creating multiple sales and leads between wineries, importers, retailers and on-trade.

“Its unique virtual expo format presents a new way of doing business. It was designed to bring people together, regardless of location, time zones or travel restrictions, enabling business conversations with Australian wineries,” Clark said.

“The fact that hundreds of wine trade members from across the globe have already registered and many sales conversations have started with Australian wineries – meaningful, impactful connections – within the first week of its launch is hugely encouraging.”

The first of the Connect conversations is being held today and features a virtual tasting and discussion putting Australia’s regional expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon into a global context. This comparative tasting and discussion will include guests from the USA, Canada, the UK and Germany, with an equally international expert panel – Mary Gorman-McAdams MW, John Szabo MS and Oz Clarke OBE.

Another session on 14 May (Asia-Pacific) will see a live discussion with award-winning wine and sake educator Corinne Mui, followed by a replay of the conversation with our panellists.

Clark said expanding the breadth and diversity of Australian wines available in international markets is another key focus for Connect.

“The US Market Entry program, a highly effective business matching program for wineries seeking distribution in the US, will be tripled in size for the next year to help meet demand and allow US trade to expand their portfolios of Australian wines,” he said.

“Similar programs such as Explore Canada and Explore UK will be launched for wineries looking to enter these markets in June and September this year respectively. Agents, importers and key customers in both markets will have the opportunity to browse a curated list of wineries enrolled in the program, request meetings and begin sales conversations.”

Australian wineries interested in this new way to do business, should register for Australian Wine Connect today.

Andy Young

Andy joined Intermedia as Editor of The Shout in 2015, writing news on a daily basis and also writing features for National Liquor News. Now Managing Editor of both The Shout and Bars and Clubs.

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